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Council Minutes

March 6, 2007 Meeting Minutes

BETHLEHEM CITY COUNCIL MEETING
10 East Church Street – Town Hall
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania
Tuesday, March 6, 2007 – 7:30 PM

1. INVOCATION
2. PLEDGE TO THE FLAG
3. ROLL CALL

Acting President Leeson called the meeting to order. Pastor
John Hanner of Bethlehem Baptist Church offered the invocation
which was followed by the pledge to the flag. Present were
Jean Belinski, Karen Dolan, Robert J. Donchez, Joseph F. Leeson,
Jr., Gordon B. Mowrer, and Magdalena F. Szabo, 6. J. Michael
Schweder was absent, 1.

4. APPROVAL OF MINUTES

The minutes of February 6, 2007 were approved.

5. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR (for public comment on ordinances
and resolutions to be voted on by Council this evening)

Adopting Stefko Boulevard and Pembroke Road Corridor Study
and Plan

Frank Korpics, 1926 Stefko Boulevard, informed the Members
that initially no one was aware what was occurring with reference
to the proposed Stefko Boulevard and Pembroke Road Corridor
Study and Plan. He added it seems that nobody is aware of
what is actually happening and is how matters are handled
by the City lately. Mr. Korpics, relating that placing a divider
on Stefko Boulevard was suggested during the early stages
of the study, pointed out this was similar to what occurred
on Broad Street in the past that drove traffic away from the
area versus when it was reopened and now contains some of
the most valuable real estate in the area. Mr. Korpics advised
that the business operators on Stefko Boulevard had to get
together as a group to resolve the matter. Mr. Korpics explained
he wants to make Council aware of what is being done, how
fast things are being done, and the need for community involvement
and notification. Mr. Korpics communicated it is something
that City Council needs to look at.

In response to Acting President Leeson, Mr. Korpics confirmed
he is currently the business owner of Classic Car Wash, he
did not receive notice of the proposal and added nobody did.
Mr. Korpics explained the only thing that was publicized was
what Just Born candy company was going to do and there was
mention of the Stefko Boulevard corridor. He attended a meeting
and saw there was a program already designed without any traffic
studies. At that point, Mr. Korpics advised everyone worked
together with the department staff. He continued on to explain
the planning process stopped because of the situation created
by the proposal that would prohibit left hand turns into the
businesses on Stefko Boulevard and would drive business away.
He later explained all the trucks would have had to travel
on the neighborhood streets trying to get back to the other
side of the street. Mr. Korpics stressed that the most successful
corridor for a long time has been the Stefko Boulevard corridor.
Mr. Korpics restated that when big projects are being done
the community and business people need to be involved and
notified. He communicated that sometimes a slower review is
needed with more input. Mr. Korpics pointed out the City brought
an outside firm from New York to do the work that did not
know anything about the City and did not know about the school
situation and problems with crosswalks, whereas the business
owners hired local land study people who had previously done
a lot of work for the City. Mr. Korpics related that the business
owners informed the firm the types of things that needed to
be fixed on Stefko Boulevard such as school children being
able to safely cross the street.

Ms. Szabo, affirming that the City has been working on the
project for more than a year, expressed she is confused about
business people not being notified. Ms. Szabo confirmed she
went to every meeting with the exception of one that was held
at Just Born and there were many business people in attendance.

Mr. Korpics informed Ms. Szabo that the business owners
had to pay to have meeting notices printed, had to do a mass
mailing to every business on Stefko Boulevard, and had to
put advertisements in the newspapers. Mr. Korpics stated at
that point a meeting was called at the school, and confirmed
the business community was notified by a group of business
owners who spent a lot of money, and who hired lawyers and
engineers, and did mailings. Mr. Korpics affirmed at that
point it was an open forum, and there was input from business
people.

Ms. Szabo noted there was a display at City Hall, and she
thought this project was well run, and Laura Burtner listened
to the residents, business people, and Council Members, as
did the representative from the consulting firm, and many
changes were made.

Mr. Korpics, expressing his agreement, stated the business
owners complimented everyone because there was a big turnaround
after the business people spent their money to notify other
business owners and at that point everyone listened and was
cooperative. Mr. Korpics stressed it should not have occurred
that way to get to that end result, people should be notified,
and it would alleviate spending money on rework. Mr. Korpics
explained that, as a result of the input of all the business
owners, it was a fantastic end result.

Acting President Leeson agreed that if the City is to embark
on a study that can significantly impact a neighborhood then
the people who live and work there have a right to know about
it so they can come and talk about it.

Acting President Leeson asked about the City’s process
for sending written notice.

Tony Hanna, Director of Community and Economic Development,
thought it was an open process, and explained at the beginning
of the study there were a number of small working groups.
At one of those sessions, an idea was raised by a traffic
consultant that led to significant outcry by some of the property
owners. Mr. Hanna stated the final product is reflective of
much notice, input, and meetings. In further response to Acting
President Leeson, Mr. Hanna replied that everybody on Stefko
Boulevard was on the mailing list to get notice. Advising
what Mr. Korpics is referencing is the very beginning stages,
Mr. Hanna said when the meetings were held at City Hall people
were notified.

Chester Taylor, 1903 Stefko Boulevard, representing the
upper portion of the businesses on Stefko Boulevard, expressed
his agreement with Mr. Hanna that the end result is 99% satisfactory
to every businessman on the block. Mr. Taylor informed the
Members that the business people on Stefko Boulevard raised
money in the amount of the high five figures to hire their
own attorney and traffic consultant which was Benchmark Traffic
Consulting that has done work for the City. Mr. Taylor explained
they thought it was necessary because of what was termed the
working plan that was first presented at the meeting held
at Just Born and at the first meeting at the middle school.
Mr. Taylor advised that he was a member of the Hanover Township-Northampton
County planning commission for five years. Mr. Taylor pointed
out that most business owners looked at the plan and questioned
what impact it would have on them. Mr. Taylor explained that,
under the first plan presented, an 18 wheel delivery truck
carrying 9,000 gallons of gasoline would not be able to directly
access his gas station and instead would have to travel on
Easton Avenue, make a left, go to Boyd Street, make a left,
travel through a densely populated residential area, and then
would have to make a right hand turn to leave. In addition,
since over half of his customers come from across the street,
the initial plan would have put 750 additional cars on the
residential areas behind his business since during the winter
at least 1,000 people a day come to his gas station and service
store, and in the summer there are about 1,500 customers.
Mr. Taylor advised he spoke with Mr. Mowrer who contacted
Mr. Hanna and Ms. Burtner for a meeting. It was realized that
the plan was not right and significant changes were made.
Mr. Taylor added that now the plan is about as good as it
can be. Mr. Taylor informed the Members his concern was the
fact that he did not know about the first, second, or third
meetings. Further notifying the Members that the list of business
people and area residents was developed by the business people,
Mr. Taylor stressed he did not think the area business owners
should have had to raise money, hire their own attorneys and
their own traffic consultants to review plans because of a
lack of communication from the Administration. Mr. Taylor
asserted that the original plan would have created chaos with
no left hand turns, and the necessity for vehicles to travel
through residential areas. Observing there will be a lot of
construction and a lot of meetings that will be occurring,
including development of the rail corridor and a planned casino
development on the South Side where he has another business
at Third and New Streets, Mr. Taylor stated he would like
to know what is going on in advance that may impact his business,
his life, and his employees.

6. OLD BUSINESS

Removal of Trees - Itaska and Ontario Streets

Mrs. Belinski noted that Members of Council received correspondence
concerning removal of dense trees in the area of Itaska and
Ontario Streets that contribute to a serious drug situation
since dealers can hide there. Pointing out there has been
input from several people regarding the issue, Mrs. Belinski
asked for an update on what is being done to resolve the situation.
Mrs. Belinski, affirming there is money available to remove
the trees, observed some people do not want the trees to be
removed. Mrs. Belinski highlighted the fact that Eddie Rodriquez
has repeatedly brought the situation to Council’s attention,
and forwarded a petition to the Members of Council in support
of tree removal.

Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, responded there
is agreement with the original plan to remove three trees
on Itaska Street, and trim about 12-15 trees between Itaska
and Bishopthorpe Streets. Mr. Alkhal added that some funding
can be provided from the Police Department’s grant.

Mrs. Belinski noted it is required to replace a tree that
has been removed. Mr. Alkhal explained there are exceptions
to replacing trees such as interference with utilities or
site distance that are considered. However, Mr. Alkhal advised
the trees will be replaced with more suitable trees that are
smaller, with higher branches and less density. Mrs. Belinski
questioned whether a homeowner in the area will have to bear
the expense of replacing concrete on her property after the
tree is removed when it is not her fault. Mr. Alkhal explained
that it may be necessary for the property owner to pay to
fix the sidewalk.

631 East Fifth Street – Landlord and Tenant Problems

Mrs. Belinski advised that Members of Council received correspondence
from Cejun Wei, an absentee landlord of 631 East Fifth Street,
explaining the situation involving problems with his tenants
who are not paying rent, and an inspector. Mrs. Belinski asked
if anything can be done about the matter.

Mr. Hanna replied that Michael Palos, Chief Housing Inspector,
will respond. Mr. Hanna recounted the tenants had no heat,
and the landlord was compelled to purchase fuel oil.

The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 23, 2007 from
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, attached to which
was a draft Resolution to upgrade the existing traffic signal
at the intersection of Center Street and East Union Boulevard
to meet current standards to improve safety. The resolution
is a standard requirement of PennDOT.

Acting President Leeson stated that the appropriate Resolution
will be placed on the March 20 Agenda.

The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 23, 2007 from
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, attached to which
was a draft resolution for a traffic signal at the intersection
of East Broad and Wood Streets, and the designation of Hawthorne
Road to a one-way-north street to eliminate the need for a
phase for that street, and to improve pedestrian safety and
safe access to East Broad Street. The resolution is a standard
requirement of PennDOT.

Acting President Leeson stated that the appropriate Resolution
will be placed on the March 20 Agenda.

The Clerk read a memorandum dated February 22, 2007 from
Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works, advising that in
February of 2005, the City replaced the existing Article 925
of the Codified Ordinances pursuant to state and federal regulations.
The new Ordinance was based on the Lehigh Valley Planning
Commission (LVPC) Act 167 Stormwater Management Plan (aka
The Little Lehigh Creek Watershed Plan). At that time, it
was indicated that the Ordinance might require revision once
finally adopted by the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission and
approved by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection
(PADEP). Subsequently, LVPC has adopted an updated Stormwater
Management Plan for the watersheds within the City, which
was approved by PADEP on October 4, 2006. PADEP requires the
City adopt an Ordinance consistent with the updated watershed
plan, and has set April 25, 2007 as the deadline for municipal
Ordinance adoption.

Acting President Leeson referred the matter to the Public
Works Committee.

D. Water Supply and Treatment Superintendent – Intermunicipal
Water Service Agreement – Central Park West

The Clerk read a memorandum dated March 2, 2007 from Jeffrey
A. Andrews, Superintendent of Water Supply and Treatment,
attached to which was a revised Intermunicipal Water Service
Agreement between the City of Allentown and the City of Bethlehem
for the purpose of obtaining a sufficient quantity of drinking
water from the City of Allentown to be redistributed by the
City of Bethlehem to serve and fill the needs of all of the
residential customers to be connected to a water distribution
system in the area to be defined as Central Park West in the
City of Bethlehem.

Acting President Leeson referred the matter to the Public
Works Committee.

The Clerk read an Amendment to Bill No. 3 – 2007,
sponsored by Mr. Mowrer and Ms. Szabo, as follows:

That the following in SECTION 1. which reads as follows:

32 Helicopter Landings within City $50.00

shall be amended to read as follows:

32 Non-Medical Helicopter Landings within City $50.00

Ms. Dolan commended Mr. Mowrer who, because of his experience
with St. Luke’s Hospital, noticed the need to clarify
that the fee for helicopter landings should not be applicable
for the medical helicopters that service the hospitals.

Ms. Szabo and Mr. Donchez sponsored Resolution 15,010 that
adopted the Stefko Boulevard and Pembroke Road Corridor Study
and Plan and incorporated it into the Comprehensive Plan for
the City of Bethlehem, known as the Bethlehem Vision Plan
approved by City Council on July 16, 1991 (Resolution 11,490).

Acting President Leeson, pointing out the individuals who
spoke earlier in the Meeting about the Stefko Boulevard and
Pembroke Road Corridor Study and Plan had important comments,
thought the comments should be acted upon. Acting President
Leeson observed one of the weaknesses identified in city government
is notifying the right people when a study is initiated. Acting
President Leeson recalled a similar problem was observed with
liquor license transfer requests and notifying the neighborhood.
Acting President Leeson said he would like Christopher Spadoni,
City Council Solicitor, to review these two issues and draft
recommendations for standard notification to neighborhoods
within a certain radius for liquor license transfer requests
and for studies.

Ms. Szabo and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 15,011
that authorized the execution of a Use Permit Agreement between
the City and the American Association of University Women,
Bethlehem Branch, for use of the Memorial Pool Building for
the 2007 Book Fair for the period March 19, 2007 to April
30, 2007, according to the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Mr. Donchez and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 15,012
that authorized the disposition of the public records of the
Police Department, as listed in Exhibit A, according to schedules
and procedures for the disposition of records as set forth
in the Municipal Records Manual approved on July 16, 1993
and Resolution 13,076.

Mr. Donchez and Mrs. Belinski sponsored Resolution 15,013
that authorized the disposition of the public records of the
Tax Bureau, as listed in Exhibit A, according to schedules
and procedures for the disposition of records as set forth
in the Municipal Records Manual approved on July 16, 1993
and Resolution 13,076.

Acting President Leeson explained the question of why the
destruction of government records is authorized sometimes
surfaces and the reason is there is a proliferation of paper
that eventually is of no value or relevance and the matters
are closed. Acting President Leeson pointed out it is a housekeeping
matter to authorize the destruction of records that is outlined
in State law.

Mr. Donchez announced a Public Safety Committee meeting
on April 11, 2007 at 7:00 PM in Town Hall on the following
subjects: Updates from Police, Fire, and EMS Departments,
Private Security Services Ordinance, casino response plans,
and Police Substation Lease.

Ms. Szabo noted a letter was received from the Northampton
County Intergovernmental Affairs Committee asking for a meeting
with Bethlehem, Hanover Township, and Freemansburg Borough.
Ms. Szabo encouraged the holding of such a meeting so that
matters are known in advance and there can be positive communication,
and accepting the offer of scheduling a meeting. President
Leeson observed that representatives of the various municipalities
could certainly attend the meeting when it is scheduled.

Removal of Trees - Itaska and Ontario Streets

Ms. Szabo, while saying she does not doubt there will be
an outcry against cutting down trees at Itaska and Ontario
Streets, related how drug dealers hid drugs on the limbs of
trees along Fourth Street. Ms. Szabo stressed that the Police
do their job but there are some circumstances that cannot
be controlled and there must be other resources to fight it.

13. COURTESY OF THE FLOOR

Broughal Middle School - Preservation

Stephen Antalics, 737 Ridge Street, thanking Dana Grubb for
the guidance he offered for Mr. Antalics’ study, said
in 1986 the City and the Pennsylvania Historical and Museum
Commission along with Spillman Farmer architects conducted
a historic structure survey. The study stated that the residential
areas of the downtown section of South Bethlehem extended
south to Packer Avenue. The area between Brodhead and Adams
Streets was cleared of all housing in the 1960’s for
expansion of Lehigh University, and only a Lutheran Church
and Broughal Middle School remained. The area is visually
part of Lehigh University, and is designated as the University
area. Mr. Antalics commented that, unfortunately, a historic
district was not designated at that time and the focus was
the north side of the Lehigh River. Mr. Antalics pointed out
that the South Bethlehem Historic Conservation District approved
several years ago did not include property south of Fourth
Street and consequently it did not include Broughal Middle
School. Mr. Antalics observed that in the University area
the architecture of the church and Broughal Middle School
fits the block that includes Packer Chapel that is a national
landmark, Packer Labs, and the community center. Mr. Antalics
urged that City Council and the Administration follow up on
the study that was done, and take a formal stand to preserve
the important historic University area that includes Broughal
Middle School. Asserting that to destroy the Broughal Middle
School building smacks in the face of the study that was paid
for in 1986, Mr. Antalics thought there is an obligation to
follow-up on the study that was initiated in 1986.

Mrs. Belinski inquired what is the first step to start the
process. Mrs. Belinski affirmed that she read the information
Mr. Antalics referenced and has a copy of it.

Christopher Spadoni, City Council Solicitor, commented he
could report back on the matter. Attorney Spadoni recalled
that, when the South Bethlehem Historic District was proposed
initially, the Broughal Middle School was in the District
but was taken out by the State Historic and Museum Commission.

Riverport Condominiums – Courtyard Noise from Starters
Restaurant

Dave Rank, of Starters Riverport Restaurant, 17 West Second
Street, stated he is at the Meeting to address some of the
issues and concerns brought before the Members of Council
at the last two City Council Meetings. Mr. Rank, first focusing
on the sound inside the building, explained when the building
was built it had to accommodate and maintain the historic
nature of the brick building. Mr. Rank advised that inside
the building on the four walls surrounding Starters Restaurant
the walls were constructed with block and brick so that sound
cannot penetrate out of the building. The one area it was
known would be an issue was the third floor because there
are condominiums there above Starters Restaurant. It was designed
with two levels of dry wall with resilient channel and air
space between to keep out the sound, and on top is thickcrete
on the top floor. When Starters opened in April 2006, the
third floor was not yet finished being constructed but tests
were done to check the sound and there was not sound penetration
to levels that were unacceptable. When the third floor was
completed, in August and September a sound engineer was brought
in to review the matter because ambient sound was getting
through the floor. To solve the problem, a rubber batting
was put on the floor over the Christmas holidays. In addition,
sound absorbing barriers were installed. These installations
cut the noise down on the third level by 70%. However, the
issue still exists of base sound that goes inside the original
steel beams that had to be maintained because of the historic
nature of the building and carries inside the building and
on which the engineers are still working. Possible solutions
are to insert soundproof insulation into the beams, to paint
the beams with soundproofing material, and to put rubber grommets
on the speakers at Starters. Mr. Rank informed the assembly
his cost up to this point in time is $75,000, and additional
costs would be about $65,000 to finish the project on the
sound inside the building.

Mr. Rank, next turning to the sound outside the building
in the courtyard where the patio is located, explained when
the building was built it was not known how well Starters
would do, and it is now a great success. Mr. Rank advised
it was always the intent to put a roof over the top of the
patio in order to potentially use it in the cold weather.
Mr. Rank further advised the second option was the possibility
of putting a second story there to use for potential additional
banquet space that would cost approximately $300,000-$400,000.

Mr. Rank notified the Members that all the information he
is communicating to them has been communicated to Ashley Development,
Markwood company, and the condominium board.

Kosta George, 11 West Second Street at Riverport Condominiums,
explained when he and his wife who is a resident at St. Luke’s
Hospital were shown the building by Ashley Development Corporation
they were told there would be no problems, no noises, and
Starters would have only dinners would be closed at 10:00
pm. Mr. George notified the Members when he comes home during
weekends there is noise in the hallways, and in the bathroom
through the air ducts. He also explained that patrons follow
the residents onto the second floor because they think that
is where they have to park. Mr. George recounted that last
Halloween weekend when he arrived home between 9:00 and 10:00
pm in the alley in front of Starters Restaurant there were
many drunk people and he could not drive through with his
car. Mr. George wondered why Police are needed if Starters
is such a nice place. Mr. George explained when Starters closes
at 2:00 am that is when people can be heard yelling. Mr. George
further stated that colleagues of his wife who moved close
to Starters Restaurant had to relocate because they could
not sleep. Acknowledging he understands a lot of money has
been invested in the building project and noting that probably
the intention in the beginning was that Starters was to be
a nice place, Mr. George said it is not like that, and there
is a lot of noise and drunk people. Mr. George commented he
would like something to be done about it.

Ana Urrutia, 11 West Second Street at Riverport Condominiums,
stated what affects her is the courtyard noise. While expressing
she realizes Mr. Rank put a lot of money into researching
the noise problems and some of the noise has been reduced
from the interior, Ms. Urrutia advised she is at the Meeting
because she cannot sleep at night. The past weekend, there
were four people in the courtyard who were smoking and it
woke up her and her husband. Ms. Urrutia said she is asking
Mr. Rank to be a good neighbor and close the courtyard at
10:00 pm until the problem is resolved. Commenting that Mr.
Rank would probably not cause this type of noise or disturbance
in his neighborhood, Ms. Urrutia thought he should use the
same ethics and do the right thing with his business and close
the courtyard at 10:00 pm so she and her husband can get some
sleep.

Acting President Leeson asked if there is any update from
the Administration.

Randall Miller, Police Commissioner, advised he is working
with the Law Bureau on the matter and is reviewing several
Ordinances. Police Commissioner Miller informed the Members
he went unannounced to Starters Restaurant on Saturday, February
24 from 12:00 midnight to about 12:45 am, and went through
the crowd to the courtyard where there were over 20 people
who were talking. Police Commissioner Miller noted that Section
717.01 of the Noise Ordinance is being reviewed for applicability.
Indicating there is nothing that necessarily fits the situation,
Police Commissioner Miller explained the parallel is being
made to an apartment complex where an arrest is not immediately
made in the case of a noise complaint from one neighbor to
another but rather an Officer knocks on the door and asks
that the music be turned down because of the noise complaint.
Police Commissioner Miller advised in the last 30 days there
was one noise complaint that was a party at one of the condominiums.

Ms. Szabo, noting she has been a fan of the project and enjoys
taking people there, explained the farther away one is from
the noise the louder it is. Ms. Szabo continued on to say
that during Musikfest residents on the South Side of the river
complain about the noise on the North Side of the river where
the concerts take place, as do people who live on the West
Side blocks away from Musikfest because of the noise that
travels there. Ms. Szabo thought perhaps cutting down some
of the sound might help.

Acting President Leeson, stating he is a lawyer by occupation,
observed one of the difficulties in asking the City to become
involved is that this is private property. Acting President
Leeson noted that Police Commissioner Miller articulated there
are not a lot of options from a government perspective, but
is monitoring the situation. Acting President Leeson suggested
that the residents of Riverport condominiums who are present
this evening meet with Mr. Rank and the Police Commissioner
after the Meeting to talk.

Mary Pongracz, 321 West Fourth Street, observed there are
two places where there is peace and quiet which is a nunnery
and a tomb.

William Scheirer, 1890 Eaton Avenue, thought the City will
have to come up with the concept of quasi-public space to
describe the courtyard, and added this a problem that will
come up in gated communities.

City Documentary

Ms. Pongracz, referring to a television documentary on the
City, highlighted the fact that Mr. Mowrer’s family
delivered milk to a grocery store owned by her family.

FAA Radar Tower – South Mountain

Mr. Scheirer informed the assembly that the FAA has announced
it will not install a radar tower on the top of South Mountain
and cut down an acre and a half of trees but rather will install
it at the Lehigh Valley Airport. Mr. Scheirer notified City
officials that he received a letter from Jack Cahalan, Township
Manager of Lower Saucon Township, in which he thanked the
City of Bethlehem for their assistance on the matter.

Demolition Permits – Approval by Council

Mr. Scheirer wanted to keep alive the idea of approval by
City Council of demolition permits for historic structures.

Condominiums - Taxes

Robert Pfenning, 2830 Linden Street, said the building of
condominiums throughout the City is rapidly increasing the
size of a second class of taxpayers. He exemplified that for
the streets at condominiums there are not routine Police patrols,
the owners have to pay for sewer or water breaks for plowing,
and for fire hydrants. Mr. Pfenning stressed that private
homeowners do not have these extra expenses. Mr. Pfenning,
noting there have been discussions at the State level, thought
some day a law will be passed that states people cannot be
taxed the same if they are not provided the same services.

Casino Host Fees

Mr. Pfenning pointed out that State Act 71 which provides
that 2% of the gross terminal revenue or $10 million whichever
is greater will go to the local municipality in which the
casino is located can simply be changed by the State legislature.
Mr. Pfenning thought the casino lobby might cause the formula
to change given the tax structure in Pennsylvania where the
casino operators do not have a lot of money to do customer
reinvestment and have to compete with Atlantic City casinos.

State of the City Speech

Mr. Pfenning, referring to Mayor Callahan’s State of
the City address, remarked that he found interesting the Mayor’s
comments about the improving financial status of the City
given the per capita level of debt outstanding, borrowing
from escrow funds to pay bills, and an upcoming Bond Issue
in which money would be borrowed for smaller non-capital items.

Site Plan Approval and Demolition Permits

Mr. Pfenning asked if Planning Commission approval is needed
of site plans before a demolition permit can be applied for.

Darlene Heller, Director of Planning and Zoning, replied
that a person can get a demolition permit without site plan
review. Ms. Heller advised that a building permit is required
and all of the requirements of the building permit must be
met. Ms. Heller, in response to Mr. Pfenning’s question
about site work without site plan approval, explained it depends
on the site work and there are some things that can be done
without Planning Commission approval.

Various Issues

Edwin Rodriquez, 1845 Linden Street, commended Mark Atkinson
for his work on youth recreation activities such as dances
at the Ice House. Mr. Rodriquez thought that ending activities
at 11:00 pm is a good tactic for prevention of problems. Mr.
Rodriquez thanked Mrs. Belinski for receiving his telephone
calls. Mr. Rodriquez stressed that he has been bringing to
the City’s attention many things for the past two years
that are occurring throughout the community. He continued
on to suggest that if someone does not have the experience
in dealing with certain situations in the community then they
should not comment, such as with drug activity, or put down
someone else’s efforts. Mr. Rodriquez commended the
efforts of Lehigh University students who are helping to clean
things up in the City. Mr. Rodriquez pointed out that in the
Ontario and Itaska Streets area it is not a question about
three trees but rather what is happening within the area of
those trees. Focusing on the justification that people like
trees, Mr. Rodriquez said so does he but in that particular
neighborhood it is very dangerous, there is gang activity
and drug trafficking every day. In addition, there are stabbings,
loitering, littering, and it is a negative environment. Mr.
Rodriquez commended Michael Alkhal, Director of Public Works,
Charles Brown, Director of Parks and Public Property, Randall
Miller, Police Commissioner, Stuart Bedics, Deputy Police
Commissioner, and Jim Smith who have done something about
the problems. Affirming that the Sassafrass park neighborhood
was cleaned up, Mr. Rodriquez remarked the problem moved to
Itaska and Ontario Streets area, and onto Broadway.

Absentee Landlord

Dave Sanders, 6 East Washington Avenue, referring to Mrs.
Belinski’s earlier comments about an absentee landlord,
affirmed that landlords have to pay mercantile tax. Mr. Sanders
recalled that when landlords pay their mercantile tax they
receive a packet of information from the City in which it
is advised that an absentee landlord who lives a certain distance
away must have a property manager. Mr. Sanders pointed out
that if the absentee landlord referenced by Mrs. Belinski
paid the required mercantile tax he should have those rules,
and his manager should be taking care of the problems.

Ms. Szabo noted the absentee landlord is Asian who may not
understand the language, needs help in understanding the City’s
rules and regulations, and may not be aware of everything
that is required.